Before a skin treatment, it is generally wise to avoid sunburn and fresh tanning, retinoids and exfoliating acids for several days, alcohol for 24 hours, and, with your doctor's agreement, supplements that may increase bruising. At Re:berry Hongdae you should also share all medications, recent procedures and any pregnancy, since these affect what is safe.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
A pre-treatment checklist
One to two weeks before
- Avoid sunburn and tanning: tanned or burned skin raises the risk of pigmentation after laser. See can I get laser if I have a tan?
- Do not start new strong products: avoid introducing new actives that could irritate your skin.
- Plan around events: leave enough time for possible swelling or redness to settle.
Three to seven days before
- Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids: especially before lasers, peels or microneedling, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Avoid waxing, threading or depilatory creams on the treatment area.
- Ask about supplements: fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo and high-dose garlic may increase bruising before injections. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
The day before and on the day
- Avoid alcohol for about 24 hours, which may reduce bruising and swelling.
- Arrive with clean skin, without heavy makeup if possible.
- Eat normally and stay hydrated.
- Bring a list of medications, allergies and previous treatments.
Medications to discuss with your doctor
- Blood thinners and anti-inflammatories: may increase bruising. See painkillers before Botox or filler.
- Isotretinoin: affects which treatments are safe and when.
- Antibiotics or photosensitizing drugs: may change laser suitability.
- Cold sore history: some treatments around the mouth may trigger outbreaks; preventive medication may be considered.
Why these precautions matter
Most of these steps aim to reduce three things: bruising after injections, irritation or pigmentation after lasers, and unexpected reactions from medication. They do not make a treatment risk-free, but they help the skin respond predictably.
When to postpone treatment
Postpone if you have an active skin infection, cold sore, open wound or rash in the area, a fever or illness, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor confirms otherwise. Re:berry's approach is diagnosis before treatment, so your doctor will check suitability on the day. Book your consultation through our Booking page.
At a glance
- Sun and tanning: Avoid for about 1–2 weeks before lasers
- Retinoids and acids: Pause about 3–7 days before, if advised
- Alcohol: Avoid for about 24 hours before injections
- Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin E and similar may increase bruising
- Always tell the doctor: Medications, pregnancy, recent treatments
Related questions
Can I drink coffee before a skin treatment?
Usually, yes. A normal amount of coffee is generally fine before most treatments. Some people find caffeine makes them feel more sensitive to discomfort or slightly flushed, so you may prefer to keep it moderate. Alcohol is the drink to avoid for about 24 hours before injections.
Should I stop my retinol before Botox?
Retinol does not usually affect Botox itself, but if your plan includes lasers, peels or skin boosters at the same visit, pausing retinoids for a few days may reduce irritation. Ask the clinic when booking, since advice depends on which treatments you plan to have.
Can I wear makeup to my appointment?
You can, but the skin is cleansed before most treatments, so arriving with minimal makeup saves time. If you have a consultation first, bare skin also helps the doctor assess tone, pigment and texture more accurately. Bring your skincare and makeup with you if you need them afterward.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.